SAN ANTONIO – Scabies is a common problem that's unfortunately wreaking havoc on a handful of students at Harlandale Independent School District.
As of Wednesday 26 people have been diagnosed with the skin disease, and district officials say the cases are related. That means a majority of those infected may have spread the disease to siblings.
The district's medical director, Dr. Hugo Rojas, says scabies is difficult to control.
"You have to treat all the family members, and including those friends that may be coming over and bringing the infection," said Rojas.
Last week, Harlandale ISD identified 19 cases at Terrell Wells Middle School. Now, seven new cases have popped up. The district says two are at Harlandale Middle School, two at McCullum High School, two at Carroll Bell Elementary, and one at Vestal Elementary.
Metro Health has since gotten involved, and Dr. Anil Mangla said if scabies is left untreated it can cause infection.
"Once the individual starts scratching, it's a very itchy itch, let's put it that way. That's when you get the skin getting taut, and that's where it may become septic," said Mangla.
Though a thorough cleaning and sanitization was done at each school over Easter break, district officials are hoping the prevention tips sent home will help stop the spread of scabies.
"It's a problem that we need to address ... like head lice. (Head lice) will never be eradicated completely, but we must contain it," said Rojas.
There are 15,200 students at Harlandale ISD, and 26 people have been identified within the district as having scabies.
District officials say all 26 are receiving treatment and they plan to do a weekly, full student body screening at Terrell Wells Middle School for the next two to three weeks to catch any new cases of the disease.
Scabies prevention tips:
Keep the child home until properly treated.
Wash all clothing with hot soapy water.
Thoroughly vacuuming furniture, carpeting and mattresses.